Scott Ahlsmith, CTC's - Roads Less Traveled

There's Religion in the Air

This should probably be filed under, "A Time and a Place for Everything."  We also try not to mix religious or political commentary with our travel and tourism opinions in this blog, but there seems to be an outbreak of religious activity on board our airlines and we'd like to know what your think about this.  Just click on the "Comments" link at the bottom of this post and share your opinion.

Three events have occurred during the past few weeks that cause us to pause and ask when does religious freedom  create security risks?

Sushi Anyone?

Cuong Ly, owner of the China Rose Restaurant in Freeport, Me, has filed suit against the State of Maine.  He claims the State's restrictions placed on his ornamental fish violate his right to freedom of religion.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife seized Ly's fish last summer after receiving a tip they were on display in Ly's restaurant in violation of state law. State officials consider the fish to be invasive species that could compete with native fish populations should they be released into the wild.

Growth of Spas . . . in India

If you have any doubt about Thomas Friedman's commentary in The World is Flat that India has become a world super power, just look at the growth of their economy.  As an affluent upper middle class emerges so do all the amenities, like spas.

In 2006 India saw a blossoming of  resort stay and day spas. With the large city areas reporting a 30 to 40% growth in day spas, there has been a shift from fair skin to healthy skin, from beauty salons to day spas that offer holistic health, and also more male interest in all these categories.

Five Tips for Happy Holidays Air Travel

Air travel over the Holidays is a unique experience, but it can be enjoyable if you plan ahead.  Here are five tips to make your Holiday travel more enjoyable:

1-Pack Light -- With liquids, gels, and pastes being restricted to only as many 3-ounce bottles as can fit in a 1 quart zip-lock bag, the airline baggage systems are bursting at the seams.  Even though you are permitted to check two bags per person, one and a small carry-on is better.

Shoes Go Through TSA X-Ray Machines -- Not Babies

We've seen large quantities of gels, liquids, and pastes confiscated at TSA checkpoints in airports around the country.  We've even seen people try to take live shotgun shells and box cutters through these checkpoints.  But, an incident at LAX (Los Angeles International) really got our attention.  Fortunately, it ended without injury or serious side effects.  And, if it wasn't reported on KTLA-TV and written about in the LA Times, we would have thought it was just an urban legend.  Although it would be difficult to make-up a story this good.